The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Operations, Plans and Programs, Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau, Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, from 31 August 1992 to 2 October 1994. While in this position, General Baker provided exemplary leadership in support of all Air National Guard programs. General Baker’s presence and direction were instrumental in continuing the modernization of the Air National Guard during a period when most programs were undergoing budgetary curtailment. His expertise and guidance have contributed to the most combat capable and ready force in the history of the Air National Guard by continually emphasizing the Air National Guard’s strengths and insisting on maximizing value from defense dollars. Topping his impressive accomplishments are several Air National Guard “Firsts”, such as first bomber squadron, first tanker task force, first C-5 weapon system trainer and first C-130 special mission operations. His efforts will have a profound impact on the future role of the Air National Guard for many years to come. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (Cambodia)Action Date:
June 1972 – March 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (Cambodia)Action Date:
June 27, 1972 – February 12, 1973
Major David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from June 27, 1972 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Colonel David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander in support of Operation DESERT STORM on 21 February 1991. On that date, his heroic actions under hostile fire paved the way for a stunningly successful allied coalition air campaign and eventual victory in the liberation of Kuwait. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (Cambodia)Action Date:
February 9 – April 30, 1991
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as Deputy Commander, Operations, 4th Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional), Deputy Commander, Operations, 4404th Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional), Al Khari Air Base, Saudi Arabia and Acting Deputy Commander, Operations, United States Central Air Forcers while engaged in ground operations against an opposing enemy at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 9 February 1991 to 30 April 1991. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Baker resulted in significant contributions to the combat effectiveness and success of multinational Coalition Military Forces allied against Iraq in the air campaign sorties against enemy targets while delivering more than eighteen million pounds of ordnance and supporting one of the most successful air campaigns in modern warfare. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Baker in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 9 June 1972. On that date, Captain Baker came to the aid of allied forces under heavy attack and in danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. Due to a very low layer of clouds which obscured most of the area, Captain Baker was unable to utilize tactical airpower in support of the friendly units. However, realizing that the situation was extremely critical, Captain Baker completely disregarded his own personal safety and flew at extremely low altitudes through a large volume of hostile fire in order to expend his marking rounds against the hostile positions. Due to the outstanding aerial skill and courage displayed by Captain Baker, he was able to silence the hostile fire and break the attack, forcing the withdrawal of hostile forces from the area thus saving many friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Baker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior achievement while serving as Vice Director for Operational Plans and Interoperability and Deputy Director for Military Education, the Joint Staff, from 3 October 1994 to 29 December 1995. General Baker’s efforts assisted the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the CINCs, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff by establishing programs which will positively influence joint warfighting for the next decade. As the Chairman’s point-man on education, he headed the flag-level Joint Professional Military Education Review Panel which charted a course to take joint education into the diversified military environment of the 21st century. As the Vice-Chairman of the Process for Accreditation of Joint Education, he led multi-service teams that examined and accredited the curricula of the Marine Corps War College and the Naval Postgraduate School to provide Joint Specialty Officer qualifying education. As the Vice Director, J-7, General Baker took charge of the floundering, unfunded Joint Simulation System and aggressively gained Service and OSD support. Today, this 320 million dollar program is funded and on track. At the Chairman’s request. General Baker initiated a study evaluating the efficiency of establishing a joint training and doctrine command to enhance joint readiness over the next decade. He is a trusted advisor to the Chairman and has made truly significant, lasting contributions to the security of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Baker reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Joint Staff.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General David Earle Baker, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of General Baker reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.